Are gaming chairs more than just a marketing tactic? Gaming chair myths debunked

To buy or not to buy

If you’ve been watching e-sports tournaments and livestreams of your favourite YouTubers, it can be hard to not notice the sporty, over-the-top-designed gaming chairs. You’ve probably even had some thoughts of getting one yourself to replace that old rickety wooden chair that has been in your family for generations.

But, you don’t want to waste money on a chair that only feels good for two minutes. So, you search up online forums, and the conversations surrounding gaming chairs are…mixed. There are some praises to be sure, but you also find critics who say gaming chairs are just chairs with the word “ergonomic” being thrown around as a marketing tactic.

These criticisms are not without a ring of truth, as some companies prioritise style over function. But real gaming chairs are designed to provide their users with long-term comfort and back support for the 9-to-5 workday or the 5-to-9 gameplay. If you want the facts on gaming chairs, you’ve come to the right place.

The facts on gaming chairs

Whether you're a worker facing endless amounts of assignments or a gamer showing off your skills, you need a chair that can adapt to different body sizes and activities. It must also feel comfortable and not painful, even after sitting down for long hours. But how do these relate to a gaming chair? Keep reading to find out more.

Ergonomic features

Chairs that are not designed with ergonomics in mind can put an immense strain on your body after long hours of sitting.

For example, researchers studying poor ergonomic effects among office workers found that 76% of workers suffered some type of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). The most common complaints were the neck and back regions. Furthermore, they also uncovered that 98% of workers had a high to moderate risk of experiencing MSDs from inappropriate chair use.

To reduce the risk, you need a chair that can support your body and reduce tension in critical spots so that you can work or play uninterrupted.

TTRacing’s chairs are designed with that goal in mind. All of our chairs have sleek backrests that hold the body in an optimal seating posture. This function is further enhanced by our Maxx, Surge X, and Swift X Pro models’ recline features that can angle the chairs’ backrests at 155° and 135°, respectively. This, combined with the removable neck and lumbar pillows, allows users to relax after a long workday. Last but not least, our chairs’ armrests are made with top-quality foam that takes a load off your arms.

Adjustability

Gaming and office chairs have height and tilt adjustments that can help you find the perfect seat height and angle. But what separates gaming chairs from office chairs is that they are also equipped with 360-degree swivel capability, reclining backrests, and adjustable armrests.

These extra features give you more options to customise your seating position for any kind of activity.

Pricing

While high-end office and gaming chairs cost several thousands, there are affordable gaming chairs available that are priced within the RM825-RM1650 range. Meanwhile, budget-tier office chairs can cost as low as RM660, while mid-tier ones cost between RM1,650-RM2,700.

Ultimately, it should be noted that gaming chairs are a cost-effective option, as they provide long hours of support for when you’re working or gaming.

The Verdict

While gaming and office chairs are capable of keeping you comfortable, the former excels in giving you the extra support needed to stay ahead of the competition. With extra features and premium materials, the gaming chair is the better choice for your home office or gaming station.

However, as we said at the start, some companies prioritise style over function when it comes to designing gaming chairs. To avoid wasting money on an uncomfortable paperweight, we strongly advise reading the following articles for more information on what to look for in a gaming chair:

• How to Pick the Perfect Gaming Chair
• A Guide to Choosing The Right TTRacing Gaming Chair For Yourself

But, if you’re eager to begin your gaming chair hunt, we at TTRacing have got you covered. Click here to browse through our special collection of premium gaming chairs.